Work

Outcomes of spontaneous pneumothorax in neonates: treatments vs. expectant management

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Neonatal pneumothorax is dependent on severity of symptoms and leak size. Treatment of Pneumothorax with Nitrogen washout is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of neonates treated for spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) compared with those managed expectantly. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of neonates (≥34weeks) diagnosed with SP born between 2011 and 2021. Neonatal characteristics and outcomes were compared between neonates treated for SP with either targeted oxygen therapy (to stabilize saturation ≥93%) or nitrogen washout and those under expectant management. RESULTS: Among neonates with respiratory distress and desaturation (n = 64), nitrogen washout reduced median time to resolution compared to targeted oxygen therapy (31 [12-67] vs 81 [31.8-123.5] hours, p = 0.012). Expectantly managed neonates with distress (n = 87) experienced delayed feeding initiation, while time to resolution and hospital stay were similar. CONCLUSION: Nitrogen washout is superior to targeted oxygen therapy in time to resolution in infants presenting with respiratory distress and desaturation.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-025-02259-4

Authors: Anat Margaliot, Laurence Mangel, Yarden Waxman, Moria Be’er, Ronella Marom, Jacky Herzlich

Institutions: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Neonatal Respiratory Health Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790